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International Clinical Pathology Journal

Commentary Volume 6 Issue 1

Anucleates, squames, squamous, squamoid and transformations

Anubha Bajaj1

1University Panjab University, India
1University Panjab University, India

Correspondence: Anubha Bajaj, Consultant Pathologist, University Panjab University, Chandigarh, India, Tel 00-91-1125117399

Received: January 01, 1971 | Published: February 15, 2018

Citation: Bajaj A. Anucleates, squames, squamous, squamoid and transformations. Int Clin Pathol J. 2018;6(1):48–50. DOI: 10.15406/icpjl.2018.06.00154

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Keywords

heteromorphy, symptomatology, clinical, dysplasia, squamous

Abbreviations

HRA, high resolution anoscopy; LGSIL, low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion; HPV, human papilloma virus; HSIL, high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion; ASIL, anal squamous intraepithelial lesion; AIDS, auto immune deficiency syndrome; HIV, human immune deficiency virus; AGC, atypical glandular cells

Introduction

Low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL/LGSIL) cell augur conceivable cervical dysplasia. LSIL is bland dysplasia (CIN1), besides inclined to be caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection and determined by a Papanicolaou smear. Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN 1) is the most conventional and benevolent form of cervical conversions and alterations and usually brings to pass inevitably within two years. So LSIL can be governed with the interim approach. But there is 12%-16% incidence of amelioration to a deeper dysplasia, which compels an offensive follow-up by colonoscopy and biopsy .Obligatory treatment modalities, which necessitates elimination of the afflicted tissue. Include cryosurgery, cone biopsy, laser ablation and LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure). High Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (HSIL) bespeak of moderate to serious cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or carcinoma in situ (CIN 2 ,CIN2/3 or CIN 3) and is usually interpreted by a Papanicolaou essay. In certain instances, it can advance to invasive cervical carcinoma if not pursued appropriately. Only 2% of the cases have authentic invasive carcinoma at debut, and 20% would march to invasive cervical cancer without treatment. So to combat the breakthrough, HSIL is hereupon supplanted by colposcopy and biopsy (via endocervical curettage, punch biopsy or conization/cone biopsy) to amputate the dysplastic tissue. The tissue is directed for histopathological corroboration to assign a histological classification of CIN 2, CIN2/3 or CIN 3. HSIL treatment denotes deleting or destruction of the altered cells by modalities in accord with those for LSIL which are cryotherapy, cautery, laser ablation or LEEP any of these procedures are 85% effective in curing the problem.

Figure 1 Compare the LSIL & HSIL treatment.

High risk human papilloma virus (HPV) types 16,18,31,33,45,52&58 can defile cervical cells and generate carcinomatous changes. They also stimulate anal cancer, penile cancer, vaginal cancer, vulval cancer, oropharyngeal cancer (middle of the throat, tonsils and back of the tongue) Low risk HPV infections, type 6&11 cause genital warts, the potentiality of which do not lead to cancer. HPV inquiry can bring to light infection and the genre of virus that account for cancer. Papanicolaou test is performed to pinpoint the cervical cells that experience malignant transformation and their pre-existing neoplastic counterparts. Cotesting is when both Papanicolaou testing and HPV testing is done concomitantly, for augmenting diagnostic accuracy.

Anal lesions

Also exist as LSIL and HSIL. A lesion in the expanse of anomalous tissue will promote to observable carcinoma, irrespective of the grade. HSIL is also designated as Anal Dysplasia. Squamous Intraepithelial lesion is related to a range of heteromorphy tissue over and above the covering skin. Extensive dysplasia extending below the pectinate line is the cogitation of anal cancer. Only one per thousand cases are seen to convert from HSIL to frank, invasive malignancy. Lesions are customarily identified by clinicians resorting to High Resolution Anoscopy (HRA). A tiny tissue fragment is extracted for surgical assessment. The anal neoplasias are generally painless and are detected on symptomatology and clinical examination including HRA. Occasionally the internal lesions bleed and external lesions scratch. HSIL is prominently targeted to prevent their progression to an observable tumour. The frequency of anal squamous cell carcinoma in homosexual or bisexual men surpasses that of the heterosexual men1-5 and is greater than that of cervical cancer in females.6 Appraisal of occurrence of anal squamous cell carcinoma is augmented in homosexual or bisexual males affected with HIV.7,8 Both cervical and anal epithelium may comprise of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or Low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) or High grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL).9,10 Attributed to the affinity between cervical and anal squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASIL), anal squamous cell carcinoma and displaying an enduring affiliation with anogenital Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection, high grade anal squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) probably symbolizes as a precursor to anal squamous cell carcinoma. Homosexual and bisexual males with HPV have an escalated possibility for the continual human papilloma virus (HPV) infection and HPV related anal squamous epithelial lesion (ASIL) with the predominance of anal squamous cell carcinoma ( SCC) percentage deviating from 20% to 45%.8,11-17 Current evaluation of the characteristics of anal disease demonstrate that anal squamous intraepithelial lesions (ASIL) can ameliorate to a higher grade lesion in a brief duration and that the reversion of high grade ASIL is infrequent.15,16 Contemporary descriptions of anal squamous cell carcinoma7,8 amid males diagnosed with Auto Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) convey that Human Immune deficiency Virus (HIV) positive homosexual and bisexual males are at a substantial risk for elaborating anal squamous cell carcinoma. Besides, in contrast to the innumerable malignancies in HIV positive men, anal squamous cell carcinoma could be intercepted. Cervical cell carcinoma screening programme can be utilized to engender a prototypical anal cytology screening essay to impede the progress of anal cancer in these high risk men:18-20

  1. Contingencies for Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma12,21,22
  2. History of lower genital tract neoplasia (e.g. HSIL, carcinoma)
  3. HIV seropositivity
  4. Low C4+ counts
  5. Immunosuppression (solid organ allograft, cyclosporine therapy)
  6. Heavy cigarette smoking
  7. Anoreceptive Intercourse
  8. Infection with multiple HIV genotypes
  9. Persistent high risk HPV genotype infection
  10. Radiation

Females with anal HPV infection are at a greater hazard for HPV co-infection of the uterine cervix. Aforesaid lesions should also be examined when anal lesions are recognized.

Audit and appraisals

  1. First Papanicolaou testing to commence at age 21 years.
  2. Every three years from age 21-29 years. HPV testing is not advocated as most infections are self-defining and conclude in a short period. With an anomalous Papanicolaou smear, follow through with HPV is also counseled.
  3. For women between age 30-65 years, coexistent Papanicolaou smear and HPV confirmation every 5 years is advisable or only a Papanicolaou smear every 3 years.
  4. For patients older than 65 years, with conventional and customary earlier screening, no further estimation is needed. For unusual antecedents and determinations, and infrequent regular screening, instructions from the referring GP/healthcare provider is desirable.

Exceptions to the ground rules

The periodicity of the perusals ought to be added to in the ensuing scenarios: Patients are:

  1. HIV positive
  2. Have a weakened immune response
  3. Were exposed before birth to diethylstilboestrol(DES), which were once prescribed to pregnant women
  4. Not long past atypical Papanicolaou/ tissue evaluation
  5. Earlier circumstance of cervical carcinoma. Appraisal is not entailed for women who have had hysterectomy for reasons not related to undisguised cervical cancer/dysplasia. For contradictory instances, an appropriate consultation is needed.23,24

Corollaries of the papanicolaou

ASC-US (Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance) is the habitual bizarre papanicolaou test finding A few atypical cells are deciphered, however it is unclear if the changes are due to HPV infection. Associated causes are irritation, bacterial and fungal infections. Polyps, benign growths and cysts, hormonal changes in pregnancy and menopause. The cellular morphology is deviant but unrelated to neoplastic transformation.HPV elimination is essential as is recapitulating the Papanicolaou at 12 months.

(AGC) Atypical Glandular Cells announcing the existence of atypical looking glandular cells envisaging the compulsion of over and above checking in the form of colposcopy and biopsy:

  1. LSIL (Low Grade Squamous Intra Epithelial Lesion) Changes subsequent to infection by HPV, which spontaneously regress. Grave forms entail supplementary evaluation.
  2. ASC-H (Atypical Squamous Cells –cannot exclude HSIL) Appended atypical squamous cells which are of a serious grade, and may be similar to HSIL. Extended evaluation anticipated.
  3. HSIL (High Grade Squamous Intra Epithelial Lesion) with moderate to severe dysplasia. Created by an HPV infection and may advance to a full blown malignancy, requiring adjuvant delineation.
  4. AIS (Adenocarcinoma in situ) means a dominant lesion of divergent growth is located in the cervical glandular tissue. May build up to cervical adenocarcinoma with anticipated extingencies.

Acknowledgements

None.

Conflict of interest

The author declares no conflict of interest.

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